HYDRANT FLOW TESTING

A P P L I CAT I O N CATALO G
 HYDRANT FLOW TESTING

THE ONE-SOURCE SOLUTION FOR

ALL OF YOUR TESTING NEEDS!
Our business was launched in 1996 with our flagship product, the Hose Monster®. It was
the first flow-measuring device to enable safe discharge of high-flowing water, minimizing
property damage and traffic interference. The professionals at The Hose Monster Company
understand the industries and sectors in which our clients operate. We turn our practical
knowledge into clear advice and find solutions that nobody else can provide. When you face
unique and challenging testing situations, our knowledgeable staff stands ready to find the
best equipment and procedural solutions for you. Your satisfaction is the truest mark of
our excellence.
HYDRANT FLOW TESTING MAIN FLUSHING DECHLORINATION
FIRE PUMP TESTING APPARATUS TESTING SOFTWARE
STANDPIPE TESTING

HOW TO ORDER
ONLINE: PHONE: PURCHASE ORDER:
Go to hosemonster.com and Call 1 (888) 202-9987 to speak Send to [email protected]
explore our products with one of our helpful customer or fax to 1 (847) 434-0073
service representatives (Note: Requires a credit
account with HFP)

HYDRANT FLOW TESTING

Flow tests are conducted on hydrants to determine water availability in planning for
firefighting activities, fire sprinkler systems or domestic water demand. The tests help detect
closed valves or wall deposits. This can be extremely useful in determining the condition
of the water distribution system being tested. A well-maintained water system enables
firefighters to extinguish flames and prevent large-scale damage or loss of life.
HOW OFTEN DO I TEST A HYDRANT?
• AWWA recommends flow testing all areas at least every 10 years (AWWA M17).
• N
 FPA requires flow testing of underground and exposed piping at least once every
five years (NFPA 291).

WHERE DO I FIND MORE INFORMATION ON HYDRANT FLOW TESTING?

• NFPA 291 — Recommended Practice for Fire Flow Testing and Marking of Hydrants
• AWWA Manual 17 — Installation, Field Testing and Maintenance of Fire Hydrants
• H
 ydrant Flow Test Calculator — Calculates the rated capacity at 20 psi for a fire flow test. Visit the
Calculators section on our Resources page at hosemonster.com/resources
• F
 AQs on Hydrant Flow Testing — Page 6 of this catalog or at hosemonster.com/resources

2 Hose Monster Company — Introduction

 HYDRANT CAPACITY VS. MAIN CAPACITY

HYDRANT FLOW TESTING MAIN CAPACITY FLOW TEST

The information derived from this test A Main Capacity Test evaluates the water
is used by the fire service to plan for supply of the fire main at the location of
fighting fires. If all hydrants in a system are the test hydrant. The information derived
tested, partially closed valves and other from this test is used by city planners and
obstructions will become known. This test contractors to consider the water supply for
uses a single hydrant as both the test general use and fire sprinkler systems.
hydrant and the flow hydrant. SETUP
SETUP At the test hydrant (pressure hydrant, static/
residual hydrant):
1. Attach gauge cap.
2. Attach hydrant slow-close gate valve and 1. Attach gauge cap to test hydrant. Tighten all
tighten all other caps. other caps.
3. Set the Little Hose Monster® with Pitotless 2. Open test hydrant. Vent air from hydrant
Nozzle™ in an appropriate location for body through the valve on the gauge cap
flowing water. assembly. Close it when air is vented.
4. Attach hose to Pitotless Nozzle™ and Little AT THE TEST HYDRANT
Hose Monster® assembly. 1. Set the Little Hose Monster® with gauge
5. Attach Remote Reader assembly to gauge to to the Pitotless Nozzle™ in an appropriate
Pitotless Nozzle™. location for flowing water.
CONDUCT THE TEST 2. Attach Remote Reader and gauge to the
Pitotless Nozzle™.
1. Slowly open the hydrant using the gauge cap 3. Attach hydrant gate valve to the hydrant.
to purge air from the hydrant. Close it when 4. Tighten other caps.
air is vented. 5. Attach hose to Pitotless Nozzle™ and Little
2. Record static pressure from gauge cap. Hose Monster® assembly.
3. Fully open hydrant gate valve.
4. When the flow rate stabilizes, CONDUCT THE TEST
a. Record nozzle pressure from the 1. Record static pressure reading from gauge
Remote Reader. cap. (Test hydrant.)
b. Record the residual pressure reading from 2. Open flow hydrant fully.
the gauge cap. 3. When the flow rate stabilizes,
At this point, the test is complete. a. Record nozzle pressure from the Remote
Reader. (Test hydrant.)
b. Record the residual pressure reading from
the gauge cap. (Test hydrant.)
At this point, the test is complete.

AFTER TEST COMPLETION

1. Close all open hydrants and remove testing 2. Record the number of minutes that the water was
equipment. Replace and tighten caps. If the flowing. This is used to account for the amount of
hydrant is a dry barrel type, note that the water water used during the flow test.
drains properly from the hydrant.

Hose Monster Company — Hydrant Flow Test Comparison 3

 ALL-IN-ONE TESTING BUNDLES

In an effort to make your job simpler, we bundle our products for ease of use, transportation
and storage. The following bundles are our recommended setups for hydrant flow testing.
Actual equipment needed may vary depending on intended use and preferences. Each
component is sold as a separate line item and can be substituted for the equipment best
suited for your job. Contact The Hose Monster Company today to determine the best
configuration, the best equipment, and the best setup for your testing operation.
NH threaded coupling is standard. Other thread types are available by request.

LITTLE HOSE MONSTER® HYDRANT FIRE FLOW TESTING BUNDLE #FFTK

ITEMS # DESCRIPTION
HML Little Hose Monster®
PN2GRV 2" Pitotless Nozzle™ (493 to 1305 GPM)
HMRR12 Remote Reader
GK100D4 Pressure Gauge 4" dial, 0.5% accuracy rated,
0 to 100 PSI (for Nozzle Pressure)
HGV25 Gate Valve (2½" F NH X 2½" M NH)
GCSW200 Gauge Cap, 2½" NST, with Pressure Gauge,
0 to 200 PSI (for Static/Residual)
HW107 Hydrant Wrench
WSPA101 Spanner Wrench
CASE720 Equipment Case
H2H.10YR 2½" x 10' Hose, Synthetic Nitrile Rubber

LITTLE HOSE MONSTER® HYDRANT FIRE FLOW TEST KIT #HMLK

ITEMS # DESCRIPTION
HML Little Hose Monster®
PN#GRV Select either 2", 1¾", 1⅛", or 1" Pitotless Nozzle™
Grooved. Depending on anticipated flow rate.
GK100D4 4" dial pressure gauge 0 to 100 PSI,
0.5% accuracy rated
CASE720 Equipment Case
HMRR12 Remote Reader

4 Hose Monster Company — Product Bundles

ALL-IN-ONE TESTING BUNDLES

4" BIGBOY HOSE MONSTER™ HYDRANT FIRE FLOW TESTING BUNDLE #FFTK4
ITEMS # DESCRIPTION
HMBB4 The BigBoy Hose Monster™. Flow Testing. 4" F NH Swivel. Gauge Incl.
(856 to 2759 GPM)
HGBV4NST Gate Valve (4" F NH X 4" M NH)
HMRR12 Remote Reader
GCSW200 Gauge Cap, 2½" NST, with Pressure Gauge, 0 to 200 PSI (for Static/Residual)
HW107 Hydrant Wrench
WSPA101 Spanner Wrench
CASE720 Equipment Case
H4.10.4 4" F NH X 10' X 4" M NH. Connects to a 4" outlet.

4.5" BIGBOY HOSE MONSTER™ HYDRANT FIRE FLOW TESTING BUNDLE #FFTK45
ITEMS # DESCRIPTION
HMBB4 The BigBoy Hose Monster™. Flow Testing. 4" F NH Swivel. Gauge Incl.
(856 to 2759 GPM).
HGV45NST Gate Valve (4" F NH X 4" M NH)
HMRR12 Remote Reader
GCSW200 Gauge Cap, 2½" NST, with Pressure Gauge, 0 to 200 PSI (for Static/Residual)
HW107 Hydrant Wrench
WSPA101 Spanner Wrench
CASE720 Equipment Case
H45.10.4 4½" F NH X 10' X 4" M NH. Connects to a 4½" outlet and reduces to 4".

5" BIGBOY HOSE MONSTER™ HYDRANT FIRE FLOW TESTING BUNDLE #FFTK5S
ITEMS # DESCRIPTION
HMBB4 The BigBoy Hose Monster™. Flow Testing. 4" F NH Swivel. Gauge Incl.
(856 to 2759 GPM).
HGV5S Gate Valve (5" STORZ)
HMRR12 Remote Reader
GCSW200 Gauge Cap, 2.5" NST, with Pressure Gauge, 0 to 200 PSI (for Static/Residual)
HW107 Hydrant Wrench
WSPA101 Spanner Wrench
CASE720 Equipment Case
HS5.10.4 5" STORZ X 10' X 4" M NH. Connects to a 5" STORZ outlet and reduces to 4".

Hose Monster Company — Product Bundles 5

 FAQ

WHY SHOULD I USE A HOSE MONSTER® OVER THE CAN WE USE THE TABLE FOUND IN NFPA 291 TO
HAND-HELD PITOT METHOD? DETERMINE THE FLOW BASED ON OUR READING OF THE
A few reasons: GAUGE FROM THE HOSE MONSTER®?
• The hand-held pitot requires precise positioning No. The table found in NFPA 291 is not the same as the
where the pitot is half the orifice diameter Hose Monster® flow chart. We provide the appropriate
away from discharge and the pitot tube is flow charts with each Hose Monster® or Pitotless
perpendicular to discharge. This is nearly Nozzle™ sold. Flow charts are also available in the
impossible to hold by hand, which is why you Resources section of the Hose Monster® website. If
will see a bouncing gauge needle and you are taking hand-held pitot readings directly from
inaccurate readings. a hydrant nozzle or pumper port, use NFPA Table 4.10.1
• The hand-held pitot method requires you to and apply the correct coefficient(s).
guess the required coefficient depending on the
shape of the hydrant nozzle. This is not DO I TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE HYDRANT COEFFICIENT
always known. WHEN CALCULATING FLOW RATE FROM THE
• The hand-held pitot requires that the water is HOSE MONSTER®?
discharged out into the open. This method is a No. The flow rate is measured correctly at the Pitotless
risk to safety and can also lead to Nozzle™ or the Hose Monster® and not affected by the
• property damage. flow characteristics of the hydrant nozzle or
• The Little Hose Monster® with the Pitotless pumper port.
Nozzle™ or the steel Hose Monster® accessory
makes it easy to take consistent and precise IS THE HOSE MONSTER® OR PITOTLESS NOZZLE™ NFPA
flow rate measurements. COMPLIANT? NFPA 291 OUTLINES ITS PROCEDURE
USING A HAND-HELD PITOT.
HOW MUCH FRICTION LOSS IS THERE WHEN USING NFPA 291 is a recommended practice but not a
A HOSE? requirement. We are not aware of a standard that
A hose causes friction loss, but it doesn’t matter requires a hand-held pitot. NFPA does not yet require
in a fire flow test. A hydrant flow test evaluates Approved/Listed devices for flow rate measurement in
the water supply to determine what flow rate will either fire flow testing or fire pump testing. Standards
be available at 20 psi residual. A hydrant flow test tend to shy away from requiring a particular product to
requires three measurements: static pressure, be used.
residual pressure and test flow rate. The reading
from the gauge cap on the test hydrant gives you PREVIOUSLY WE DID HYDRANT FIRE FLOW TESTS USING
static and residual pressures. The Pitotless Nozzle™ A HAND-HELD PITOT. WHY ARE OUR DISCHARGE
or Hose Monster® gives you the test flow rate. The FLOWS DIFFERENT?
friction loss created in the hose results in lower The test flow rate will be less using Hose Monster™ and
test flow and, at the same time, greater residual hose, but the residual pressure will also be higher. This
pressure. This does not affect the predicted flow at will not adversely affect the flow test when calculating
20 psi, as long as you’re getting sufficient drop from flow at 20 psi residual. Remember, the test flow rate by
static to residual. NFPA 291 recommends a drop itself doesn’t mean much. You also need to take into
of at least 10%, while AWWA M17 recommends a account static and residual pressures. The discharge
minimum drop of 10 psi. flow rates are also influenced by whether you’re flowing
from the pumper port or the nozzle port of the hydrant,
WHY SHOULD I USE A REMOTE READER? the length of hose and the flow test device.
Three good reasons: It enables you to take the
pressure readings away from the flowing water, it
keeps you dry, and it encourages workers to remove
and safely store the gauge after a flow test.

6 Hose Monster Company — FAQ

 ENGINEERING INFORMATION
& FLOW RATES
K-FACTOR TABLE FOR VARIOUS FLOW DEVICES
BIGBOY HOSE MONSTER™
ITEMS # K-FACTOR ORIFICE PSI RANGE FLOW RANGE
DIAMETER GPM

5 to 11 psi (BigBoy Hose Monster™) 382.9 3.05" 5–11 856–1270

12 to 38 psi (BigBoy Hose Monster™) 376.0 3.05" 12–38 1303–2318
39 to 55 psi (BigBoy Hose Monster™) 372.0 3.05" 39–55 2323–2759

PITOTLESS NOZZLE™
ITEMS # K-FACTOR ORIFICE PSI RANGE FLOW RANGE
DIAMETER GPM
2" Pitotless Nozzle™ + Little Hose Monster® 156.0 2" 10–70 493–1305
2" Pitotless Nozzle™ + Open Atmosphere 167.2 2" 10–70 529–1399
1¾" Pitotless Nozzle™ + Little Hose Monster® 104.7 1.75" 10–80 331–936
1¾" Pitotless Nozzle™ + Open Atmosphere 109.7 1.75" 10–80 347–981
11/8" Pitotless Nozzle™ + Little Hose Monster® 37.2 1.125" 5–80 83–333
11/8" Pitotless Nozzle™ + Open Atmosphere 37.0 1.125" 5–80 83–331

CALCULATING FLOW RATES

K-FACTOR FORMULA: THEORETICAL DISCHARGE THROUGH
Computes a flow rate in GPM given a CIRCULAR ORIFICES FORMULA:
psi and a K-factor of the different Computes a flow rate in GPM given a psi and a coefficient of
flow devices. the flow device.

Q = √P x K Q = 29.84 x √P x D2 x C
Q = flow rate in GPM Q = flow rate in GPM D = orifice diameter in inches
P = velocity pressure in psi P = velocity pressure in psi C = coefficient of flow device
K = K-factor of flow device

US/METRIC CONVERSIONS
FLOW RATE: VOLUME: PRESSURE:
US Gallons/Minute x 3.785 = Liters/Minute US Gallons x 3.785 = Liters psi x 0.0689 = Bars
Liters/Minute x 0.264 = US Gallons/Minute Liters x 0.264 = US Gallons Bars x 14.5038 = psi

US Gallons/Minute x 0.1337 = Feet3/Minute US Gallons x 0.8327 = Imperial Gallons psi x 6894.757 = Pascals
Feet3/Minute x 7.481 = US Gallons/Minute Imperial Gallons x 1.201 = US Gallons Pascals x 0.000145 = psi

WEIGHT OF WATER: Feet3 x 7.48051945 = US Gallons Bars x 100,000 = Pascals

US Gallons of Water x 8.3454 = Pounds US Gallons x 0.1337 = Feet3 Pascals x 0.00001 = Bars
Foot3 of Water x 62.42796 = Pounds
LENGTH:
Meters x 3.2808 = Feet
Feet x 0.3048 = Meters

Hose Monster Company — Engineering Information & Flow Rate Calculations 7

 DECHLOR DEMON™

WHY DECHLORINATE?
When chlorinated water is discharged in a flow test, it can drain into lakes, rivers and
streams and harm aquatic life. According to AWWA, “Water released into the environment
shall meet the applicable federal, state, provincial or local regulatory agency’s residual
chlorine limit.” Your authority having jurisdiction provides dechlorination requirements.

HOW IT WORKS
A portion of the water flowing through the Dechlor Demon™ is diverted through the bypass
into a mixing tank, where it combines with a concentrated dechlorinating agent.
The bypass flow is controlled by a precision indicating valve. The concentrate is
reintroduced into the Dechlor Demon™ and hose, where it continues to mix with the water.
This neutralizes the chlorine by the time it exits the hose.

PROTECT YOUR CONNECT TO ANY KEEP YOUR EQUIPMENT

ENVIRONMENT HYDRANT
The Dechlor Demon™
The Dechlor Demon™ keeps The small footprint of the seamlessly integrates into
natural ecosystems around Dechlor Demon™ ensures your existing hydrant testing
test sites free of harmful no extra stress is put on regimen and is available in
chemical pollutants and the hydrant. The Dechlor NH or your thread spec.
keeps you compliant with Demon™ is available in 2.5",
state and local regulation. 4" or 4.5" with the option of
either a 1 gallon or 10 gallon
mixing tank.

1330 Ensell Rd, Lake Zurich, IL 60047

(888) 202-9987 (847) 434-0073 [email protected] hosemonster.com